Cheesy Chicken And Rice
Cheesy Chicken and Rice combines tender cooked chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and seasoned rice for a comforting and flavorful baked dish. Topped with crunchy cracker crumbs, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delicious blend of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 4 to 5 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 12 ounces processed cheese (Velveeta) ⓘ
- 2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups crushed butter crackers (Ritz) ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare a 9 x 13 inch greased baking dish.
- Mix 1/4 cup butter, flour, milk, chicken bouillon, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened.
- Reduce heat and add cooked chicken, processed cheese, and sour cream. Stir until melted.
- Add cooked rice and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown 1/4 cup butter and crushed butter crackers until golden.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture as a topping over the rice mixture.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra cup of sour cream or using a combination of sharp and mild cheeses. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. This dish is versatile; feel free to mix in vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Chicken And Rice pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside dinner pork chops or a slice of crusty bread. You can also offer a side of fruit for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1519 calories, with 23g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value) and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2908mg per serving (126% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to ensure even texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of processed cheese?
If you prefer not to use processed cheese like Velveeta, you can substitute with a blend of shredded cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella. Just ensure to add a little extra milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).